Media-dispensing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A media-dispensing apparatus including a housing, a plurality of compartments and a locking structure is disclosed. The plurality of compartments is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing. Each compartment is configured to hold at least one unit at least partially therein. The access structure is disposed in movable relation with respect to the plurality of compartments. At least a portion of the locking structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the plurality of compartments. The locking structure is configured to inhibit movement between the access structure and the plurality of compartments. The media-dispensing apparatus is configured such that a user may only remove the contents from one compartment at a time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefits of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/872,719 entitled “Media Storage and Dispensing Apparatus” which was filed on Dec. 4, 2006, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/823,165 entitled “CD BUTLER” which was filed on Aug. 22, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/806,941 entitled “CD BUTLER” which was filed on Jul. 11, 2006, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for storing and dispensing a plurality of media. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a media-dispensing apparatus and method that allows only the contents from a single slot or compartment to be removed from the apparatus before a user has access to the contents of another slot or compartment.

Storage and organization of various items, such as video game cartridges and CDs, often cause problems for many people. In particular, people tend to not have a designated storage area or device for items like cartridges and CDs. Further, even when such storage devices are available, it is common for people not to utilize such devices. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for cartridges and CDs, for instance, to be misplaced and/or lost.

It is especially likely for children to use a game cartridge and not return it to its designated place before taking another game cartridge to use. This behavior commonly results in lost or misplaced game cartridges. As a result, parents often have to purchase a duplicate game cartridge to replace one that their child has lost.

Accordingly, a media-dispensing device that stores media and only allows the contents from a single slot or compartment to be removed at a time may be helpful.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a media-dispensing apparatus including a housing, a plurality of compartments and a locking structure. The plurality of compartments are disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing. Each compartment is configured to hold at least one unit at least partially therein. The access structure is disposed in movable relation with respect to the plurality of compartments. At least a portion of the locking structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the plurality of compartments. The locking structure is configured to inhibit movement between the access structure and the plurality of compartments.

The present disclosure also relates to a media-dispensing apparatus including a housing, a plurality of compartments and a locking structure. The plurality of compartments is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing and each of the plurality of compartments is configured to hold at least one media unit therein. The locking structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the plurality of compartments. The locking structure is configured to inhibit access to a media unit disposed in a compartment when a single compartment does not include a media unit therein.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of dispensing media. The method includes providing a media-dispensing apparatus including a plurality of compartments where each compartment is configured to hold a unit at least partially therein. The method also includes removing a unit from a first compartment, returning a unit to the first compartment and moving at least a portion of the media-dispensing apparatus to allow access to a second compartment. Each of the plurality of compartments must have a unit at least partially therein to allow access to the second compartment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed media-dispensing apparatus are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a media-dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the media-dispensing apparatus according to FIG. 1, shown with a top portion of a housing removed;

FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of the media-dispensing apparatus according to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown with a lower portion of the housing removed and a locking structure in a blocking position;

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the media-dispensing apparatus according to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown with the lower portion of the housing removed and the locking structure in an enabling position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a media-dispensing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the media-dispensing apparatus according to FIG. 4, illustrated with a disc within a holder; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the media-dispensing apparatus according to FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrated without a disc in the holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently media-dispensing apparatus are described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

A media-dispensing apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure is referred to in the figures as reference numeral 100. Media-dispensing apparatus 100 is configured to store and dispense different types of media 200, including, for example, gaming cartridges, CDs, DVDs, memory cards, etc. (collectively referred to as “media,” “unit,” or “media unit” herein). As used herein, the use of the terms “media” and “unit” are also intended to include place holders and blanks.

Media-dispensing apparatus 100 only allows a unit 200 from one of its compartments to be dispensed therefrom at a time. That is, once a unit 200 is removed from apparatus 100, that unit 200 (or a different unit) must be replaced in apparatus 100 before another unit 200 can be removed.

In FIGS. 1-3B, media-dispensing apparatus 100 is depicted as a cartridge dispenser 100 a and is shown with a plurality of cartridges 200 a (including place holders or blanks) therein. FIGS. 4-7 of the present disclosure depict media-dispensing apparatus 100 as a disc dispenser 100 b having a plurality of discs 200 b (including CDs, DVDs, place holders or blanks) therein.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3B, cartridge dispenser 100 a is shown including a housing or hub 110, a plurality of compartments 120, an access structure 130 and a locking structure 140. Plurality of compartments 120 is disposed in mechanical cooperation with housing 110 and each compartment 120 is configured to hold at least one unit 200 a at least partially therein. Access structure 130 is disposed in movable relation with respect to plurality of compartments 120. Locking structure 140 is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the plurality of compartments 120 and is configured to inhibit movement between access structure 130 and plurality of compartments 120.

FIG. 2 illustrates a total of seven units 200 a disposed in plurality of compartments 120, with one unit 200 a in each compartment 120 and with one empty compartment 120 a. In this embodiment, plurality of compartments 120 is housed in a chamber 150, which is rotatable with respect to housing 110 in the directions of arrow “A-A” in FIG. 2, generally about a center 152 of chamber 150.

Access structure 130 includes at least one of a slot 160 in housing 110 and a door 170. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, door 170 is positionable to cover slot 160 and is disposed in mechanical cooperation with housing 110 (e.g., via a living hinge, a traditional-style hinge, etc.). Further, door 170 is movable between a first position where door 170 blocks access to plurality of compartments 120 and a second position where door 170 permits access to a single compartment (illustrated as compartment 120 a or number 7 in FIG. 2).

Although door 170 is shown on a top surface 116 of housing 110, it is envisioned that door 170 may be disposed at a location on the periphery of cartridge dispenser 100 a. In such an embodiment, locking structure 140 may be disposed adjacent a substantial center of the apparatus or one of its parts. Here, locking structure 140 may bias a unit or blank outwardly from the center of cartridge dispenser 100 a.

Locking structure 140 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this embodiment, at least a portion of locking structure 140 is movable between a first position and a second position. In its first (blocking) position (FIG. 3A), locking structure 140 is a physical barrier and inhibits movement between plurality of compartments 120 (or chamber 150) and access structure 130 (FIG. 1). In its second (enabling) position (FIG. 3B), locking structure 140 permits relative movement between plurality of compartments 120 (or chamber 15) and access structure 130. It is envisioned that locking structure 140 is biased towards its first position (in the substantial direction of arrow “B” in FIG. 3A). Biasing of locking structure 140 may be accomplished by any suitable means.

Insertion of a unit 200 a into an empty compartment (i.e., 120 a in FIG. 2), causes locking structure 140 to move from its first position (FIG. 3A) towards its second position (FIG. 3B). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each compartment 120 includes a tab 122 disposed adjacent thereto (e.g., beneath compartment 120), and in particular, each tab 122 is disposed in mechanical cooperation with chamber 150. More specifically, insertion of a unit 200 a into empty chamber 120 a (FIG. 2), forces tab 122 into locking structure 140, which causes locking structure 140 to move below a lower surface 154 of chamber 150 and into its second position.

In the embodiment where locking structure 140 is biased towards its first position, it is envisioned that moving door 170 from its second position towards its first position overcomes the biasing force of locking structure 140 and helps secure unit 200 a within compartment 120. Further, protrusions 172 (FIG. 1) may be included on a portion of door 170 to further help secure unit 200 a within compartment 120.

Chamber 150 is also shown including a plurality of rails 180, with each rail 180 being disposed between adjacent compartments 120 (FIGS. 3A and 3B). In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of each of plurality of rails 180 substantially aligns with lower surface 154 of chamber 150. Rails 180 provide a surface for locking structure 140 to travel along between compartments 120 when chamber 150 is rotated with respect to housing 110.

As shown in the figures, housing 110 may include a first portion 110 a and a second portion 110 b, which are connected by any suitable means (e.g., sonic welding, press-fit, joining structures, adhesives, etc.). It is envisioned that at least a portion of housing 110 may be made of a transparent or translucent material (and/or may include a window), thus enabling a user to view the contents of at least one compartment 120. Additionally, at least one opening 112 may be included in housing 110, such that a side 156 of chamber 150 is accessible by a user to facilitate rotation of chamber 150 with respect to housing 110, for example. A series of projections 158 is also illustrated at least partially along side 156 of chamber 150 to further help a user's ability to rotate chamber 150.

In a contemplated use, it is envisioned that cartridge dispenser 100 a includes a combination of seven blank units or usable cartridges 200 a therein and one empty compartment 120 a (FIG. 2). A user may insert a unit 200 a into compartment 120 a and close door 170. In this position, with all compartments 120 occupied by a blank or useable cartridge 200 a, a user may rotate plurality of compartments 120 (or chamber 150) with respect to housing 110, such that a desired unit 200 a is substantially aligned with access structure 130. As can be appreciated, rails 180 and/or tabs 122 help ensure proper alignment between locking structure 140 and chamber 150.

When a desired unit 200 a is substantially aligned with access structure 130, user may open door 170, thus causing locking structure 140 to move towards its first position (FIG. 3A) and to urge unit 200 a towards slot 160, such that, for instance, at least a portion of unit 200 a is outside of cartridge dispenser 100 a and is removable by a user. Now in its first position, locking structure physically 140 inhibits a user from rotating chamber 150 with respect to housing 110 (e.g., to remove a second unit). Locking structure 140 remains in its first position until a user inserts a unit 200 a into vacated compartment 120. Therefore, a user cannot remove another unit 200 a from cartridge dispenser 100 a, until the removed unit 200 a (or another unit 200 a) is returned to vacated compartment 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, disc dispenser 100 b includes a housing 510, a plurality of compartments 520, an access structure 530 and a locking structure 540. Plurality of compartments or holders 520 is disposed in mechanical cooperation with housing 510 and each holder 520 is configured to hold at least one unit (e.g., disc 200 b) at least partially therein. Access structure or actuator 530 is disposed in movable relation with respect to plurality of holders 520. Locking structure 540 is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of plurality of holders 520. Locking structure 540 is configured to inhibit movement between actuator 530 and plurality of holders 520.

Each of plurality of holders 520 includes a sleeve 550 disposed in mechanical cooperation therewith. Each sleeve 550 is translatable along a track 522 of its associated holder 520 between a first position where sleeve 550 blocks access to its associated holder 520 (FIG. 5) and a second position where sleeve 550 permits access to its associated holder 520 (FIG. 6). Each of the plurality of sleeves 550 includes a groove 552 for accepting a portion of access structure 530 therein. Further, each of the plurality of holders 520 includes a channel 521 for accepting a portion of access structure 530 therein.

Housing 510 of disc dispenser 100 b is shown including end plates 570 and three rods 572 (a single rod 572 is visible in FIG. 4). End plates 570 are disposed at either end of plurality of compartments 520 and are configured to bound translation of access structure 530. Moreover, three rods 572 are shown connecting each end plate 570 with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, rods 572 are configured to hold plurality of compartments 520 in place. It is envisioned that more or fewer rods 572 may be used.

When disc dispenser 100 b is full with units or discs 200 b, groove 552 of each sleeve 550 and channel 521 of each holder 520 are substantially aligned with grooves and channels of adjacent sleeves and holders, respectively. As can be appreciated with reference to FIG. 4, the substantial alignment of adjacent grooves 552 and channels 521 forms a path for access structure 530 to translate along (e.g., in the directions of arrow “C-C” in FIG. 4). As such, a user may move access structure 530 such that access structure 530 substantially aligns with a particular holder 520 having a desired disc 200 b therein.

To gain access to desired disc 200 b, the user moves access structure 530 (e.g., in the direction of arrow “D” in FIG. 5) to cause sleeve 550 to move from its first position towards its second position. This movement of access structure 530 causes a desired sleeve 550 to move along track 522 (visible in FIG. 6) of its associated holder 520, such that a holding structure 554 of sleeve 550 engages locking structure or boss 540 of holder 520. When holding structure 554 and locking structure 540 are engaged, disc 200 b within holder 520 is in a removable position. That is, disc 200 b can be grabbed by a user and removed from disc dispenser 100 b through a slit between adjacent holders 520 and between an upper portion 526 of holder 520 and access structure 530 (or the area vacated by sleeve 550). It is envisioned that the slit is too small for disc 200 b to fit therethrough until sleeve 550 has translated to a position such that holding structure 554 and locking structure 540 are engaged.

Holding structure 554 and locking structure 540 are configured such that, when engaged with one another (FIG. 6), sleeve 550 cannot be translated with respect to holder 520 and thus, access structure 530 cannot be moved in the direction of arrows “C-C,” “D,” or “E.” Insertion of a disc 200 b into empty sleeve 550 causes holding structure 554 to release from locking structure 540. At this point, actuator 530 can be translated (e.g., in the direction of arrow “E” in FIG. 6), thus causing cause sleeve 550 to move along track 522 from its second position (FIG. 6) towards its first position (FIG. 5). When sleeve 550 is in its first position (i.e., each holder 520 has a unit or disc 200 b therein), a user may move access structure 530 to substantially align with a particular holder 520 having a desired disc 200 b therein.

It is envisioned that portions of track 522 and/or locking structure 540 for use with a single sleeve 550 may be disposed on two adjacent holders 520 and/or end plates 570. That is, sleeve 550 may be translated along and/or guided by portions of track 522 on its associated holder 520 and an adjacent holder. Further, holding structure 554 may be engagable with portions of locking structure 540 disposed on its associated holder 520 and an adjacent holder.

It is also envisioned that media-dispensing apparatus 100 includes an attachment structure 190 (FIG. 1) thereon configured to enable a string (e.g., a wrist strap) to be secured thereto. Additionally, media-dispensing apparatus 100 may include or may be adapted to include a stylus holder. Further, at least one light may be included within or on at least a portion of media-dispensing apparatus 100. For example, lights may shine upon insertion and/or removal of a unit 200. In addition, media-dispensing apparatus 100 may include a sound-producing device. For instance, a sounds or series of sounds may resonate upon insertion and/or removal of a unit 200. It is also envisioned that indicators (such as stickers) may be included with media-dispensing apparatus 100, e.g., to keep track of the units 200 housed in therein. Here, media-dispensing apparatus 100 may include an area or areas thereon configured to receive such indicators.

In a contemplated embodiment, compartments of the media-dispensing apparatus 100 include indicia, such as numbers, which facilitate organization of the units (FIG. 2). For example, a user can fills compartments 1-8 with different units and write a name of each unit on a numbered list (which may be affixed or removably affixed to a portion of media-dispensing apparatus 100), such that the location of each unit in a compartment corresponds to the number (e.g., 1-8) on the list.

While not explicitly shown in the accompanying figures, various-sized media-dispensing apparatuses 100 can be used to store and dispense units 200 of various shapes and sizes. For instance, media-dispensing apparatus 100 may be configured to store and dispense games for NINTENDO DS®, SONY PLAYSTATION® (PS1, PS2, PS3, PSP), UMD, GAME BOY® SP, educational cartridges (e.g., LEAPFROG®, memory cards, audio CDs, and/or video DVDs.

In an envisioned embodiment the apparatus may have a compartment and/or a series of sleeves disposed thereon for storage of blanks. Additionally, each blank may include indicia thereon, such as advertisements. Further, the blanks may be a different color from units to help a user quickly distinguish blanks from units. It may also be useful to provide a transparent or translucent cover to facilitate the viewing of units/blanks.

It is further envisioned that a handle may be affixed to media-dispensing apparatus 100. Additionally, media-dispensing apparatus 100 may be configured to attach to a keychain or be used as a keychain. It is also envisioned that the apparatus may be configured to fit on or within a console of an automobile. Here, media-dispensing apparatus 100 may hold CDs and/or DVDs for driver and/or passenger use. Further, media-dispensing apparatus 100 may be affixed or otherwise connectable to a gaming system, a stereo, a DVD player, the case of a unit or another suitable device.

It is additionally envisioned that units of different sizes can operably fit within media-dispensing apparatus 100. For instance, an adapter, the approximate size of a unit or blank (e.g., the size of a typical CD), may be available that includes a sleeve therein which accepts a unit of a different size (e.g., the size of a mini-disc). Further, a media-dispensing apparatus 100 designed to accept a relatively large unit (e.g., a game cartridge for Nintendo®) may includes adapters which are sized substantially equal to the relatively large unit. Here, other types of units (e.g., CDs, mini-CDs, smaller cartridges) may be able to fit within the adapter. Thus, a single media-dispensing apparatus 100 can be used for storing and individually dispensing many types of media.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of dispensing media. The method includes providing media-dispensing apparatus 100 (such as in an embodiment described above) including plurality of compartments where each compartment is configured to hold a unit 200 at least partially therein. The method also includes removing a unit 200 from a first compartment, returning a unit 200 to the first compartment and moving at least a portion of the media-dispensing apparatus to allow access to a compartment chamber. Each of the plurality of compartments must have a unit 200 at least partially therein to allow access to the second compartment.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, while the figures depict certain embodiments of media-dispensing apparatus 100, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific illustrated embodiments. Additionally, cartridge dispenser 100 a may be configured to have more or fewer than the eight illustrated compartments 120 and disc dispenser 100 b may be configured to have more or fewer than the [amount shown in FIG. 4] illustrated compartments 120. Further, compartments 120 of cartridge dispenser 100 a and disc dispenser 100 b may be configured and sized to include any type of cartridge or disc and may also include compartments 120 of different sizes, such that media-dispensing apparatus 100 can accept various types of units 200 and/or more than one unit 200 per compartment 120. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

1. A media-dispensing apparatus, comprising: a housing; a plurality of compartments disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing, each compartment configured to hold at least one unit at least partially therein; an access structure disposed in movable relation with respect to the plurality of compartments; and a locking structure, at least a portion of the locking structure being disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the plurality of compartments, the locking structure configured to inhibit movement between the access structure and the plurality of compartments.
 2. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking structure is configured to allow movement between the access structure and the plurality of compartments when each of the plurality of compartments includes a unit at least partially therein.
 3. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking structure configured to inhibit movement between the access structure and the plurality of compartments when one compartment of the plurality of compartments does not include a unit at least partially therein.
 4. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further including a chamber configured to house the plurality of compartments.
 5. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the chamber is rotatable with respect to the housing.
 6. The media-dispensing apparatus of Claim I, wherein at least a portion of the locking structure is movable between a first position where the locking structure inhibits relative movement between the plurality of compartments and the access structure and a second position where the locking structure permits relative movement between the plurality of compartments and the access structure.
 7. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein insertion of a unit causes the at least a portion of the locking structure to move from its first position towards its second position.
 8. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein removal of a unit causes the at least a portion of the locking structure to move from its second position towards its first position.
 9. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access structure includes a door movable between a first position where the door blocks access to the plurality of compartments and a second position where the door permits access to one compartment.
 10. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further including a plurality of sleeves, wherein each of the plurality of compartments includes a sleeve disposed in mechanical cooperation therewith.
 11. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of sleeves is translatable with respect to its associated compartment.
 12. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access structure is translatable with respect to the plurality of compartments.
 13. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of sleeves includes a groove for accepting a portion of the access structure therein.
 14. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 13, wherein substantial alignment of adjacent grooves forms a path for the portion of the access structure translate along.
 15. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of sleeves is movable between a first position where the sleeve blocks access to its associated compartment and a second position where the sleeve permits access to its associated compartment.
 16. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 15, wherein insertion of a unit at least partially into the compartment enables the sleeve to move from its second position towards its first position.
 17. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 15, wherein movement of the access structure with respect to its associated compartment causes the sleeve to move from its first position towards its second position.
 18. The media-dispensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the locking structure includes a at least one boss, the at least one boss being disposed in mechanical cooperation with an associated compartment and configured to engage a holding structure of a corresponding sleeve.
 19. A media-dispensing apparatus, comprising: a housing; a plurality of compartments disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing, each of the plurality of compartments configured to hold at least one media unit therein; a locking structure disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the plurality of compartments, the locking structure configured to inhibit access to a media unit disposed in a compartment when a single compartment does not include a media unit therein.
 20. A method of dispensing media, comprising: providing a media-dispensing apparatus, including: a plurality of compartments, each compartment being configured to hold a unit at least partially therein; removing a unit from a first compartment; returning a unit to the first compartment; and moving at least a portion of the media-dispensing apparatus to allow access to a second compartment, wherein each of the plurality of compartments must have a unit at least partially therein to allow access to the second compartment. 